Tuesday, April 15, 2014

The Porsche 930 Turbo was a unique sports car built by Porsche of Germany between 1975 and 1989.

930 was the number given for the 911 Turbo produced between 1975 and 1989. This Classic Porsche Car was Porsche’s top of the line model for its entire production duration. At the time of its introduction the Porsche 930 was the fastest production car available in Germany.

Porsche started experimenting with turbo charged engines on their race cars during the late 1950s and by 1972 they had began development on a turbocharged version of the 911. Porsche didn’t invent the turbo though; they merely took it to the next level. Porsche was taken with BMW’s attempt at turbo charging one of their racers in 1969. Porsche entered into Can-Am with their 917, powered by a 5.4L flat-12 turbocharged to over 1000 bhp which prompted rule changes in Can-Am racing.

Porsche introduced the first 911 Turbo in 1973 at the Paris Auto Show. While it wasn’t in production yet, their intent was clear. They took the engine of the Carrera RS 2.7 and increased it to 3.0L which found its way into the Porsche 930 launched in 1975.

Porsche made significant upgrades to the 930 for 1978, enlarging the engine to 3.3 liters and adding an air-to-air intercooler. By cooling the pressurized air charge, the intercooler helped increase power output to 300 hp. Other changes included re-profiling the rear ‘whale tail’ spoiler and raising it slightly to make room for the intercooler. Porsche also upgraded the brakes similar to those used on the 917 racecar.

Changing Japanese and American emissions regulations forced Porsche to withdraw the 930 from those markets in 1980. Believing the 928 would eventually replace the 911, Porsche cut back spending on the 930, and it was not until Fuhrmann’s resignation that the company finally committed the financing to meet US and Japanese regulations.

The 930 remained available in Europe, and for 1983 a 325 hp performance option was available on a build-to-order basis from Porsche. The add-on included a 4-pipe exhaust system and an additional oil-cooler requiring a remodeled front spoiler. Units bearing the add-on featured additional ventilation holes in the rear fenders and modified rockers.

The mighty 930 returned to America in 1986, and ran through the end of 930 series production in 1989.

The 930 proved fast but demanding. The Porsche 930 Turbo was prone to oversteer based on its rear engine layout and short wheelbase; combining those traits with the power of the turbocharged motor, which exhibited significant turbo-lag, meant driving the car required more skill to drive at the edge of its higher level of performance.